These findings demonstrate that an acute bout of exercise provides additional craving relief to the nicotine lozenge in recently quit smokers. We recommend smokers who attempt to quit employ both cessation aids simultaneously to maximize reductions in cravings.

B ackground: Cigarette cravings are one of the most often expressed difficulties related to quitting.The effect of acute exercise on craving and withdrawal symptoms during a pharmacological based smoking cessation intervention is unknown. Methods: Participants included female smokers (n = 178) undertaking the Getting Physical on Cigarettes trial -a 14-week exercise-aided nicotine replacement therapy (NRT, i.e. patch) cessation program. They completed the Shiffman-Jarvik scale immediately before and after the first scheduled exercise session during weeks 5, 11, and 13. The first exercise session (week 5) occurred shortly after participants quit smoking (week 4) and began their 21 mg NRT patch dose. The second and third exercise bout coincided soon after participants stepped down their NRT strength to 14 mg (week 11) and 7 mg (week 13), respectively. Results: Significant reductions in cigarette craving were demonstrated following exercise at all three time points (i.e. week 5, 11, and 13). Significant reductions in psychological and sedation withdrawal symptoms were shown at week 5 and 11, but not at week 13. Significant increases in physical symptoms were found at week 5 and 11, but not week 13. No significant change in appetite was evident at any time point. Conclusions: An acute bout of moderate intensity exercise can alleviate cravings as well as psychological and sedation withdrawal symptoms in quitters during a 14-week exercise-aided NRT smoking cessation program. Promoting exercise among women using NRT is recommended.

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INTRODUCTION In Canada, young adults have the highest smoking rates among all other population groups and specifically college students are at a higher risk. To implement effective policies that can prevent smoking and increase cessation, a populationspecific approach is recommended. METHODS Smoking and non-smoking young adults enrolled in a college program were recruited. Participants who did not smoke were asked to complete questionnaires about their demographics, college experience and the college environment. Additionally, they completed The Perceived Stress Scale and The Center for Epidemiologic Studies -Depression Scale. Students who were current smokers completed the same questionnaires with the addition of one questionnaire about their smoking behaviors. Percentages, means and standard deviations were used to describe the variables of interest and a chi-squared analysis was performed, when possible, to test the difference in response frequency between smoking and nonsmoking participants. RESULTS Differences were observed between smoking (n=65) and non-smoking students (n=214). Specifically, smokers were more likely to have a family member that smoked and to participate in binge drinking. Both groups indicated that they are unaware of campus smoking regulations; however smokers were more opposed to implementing smoke-free policies. CONCLUSIONS College students are unaware of campus smoking regulations. The descriptive information and differences observed between smoking and non-smoking students in this study should be taken into consideration when developing future smoking regulations/policies on college campuses. INTRODUCTIONSmoking cigarettes is the leading cause of preventable death around the world 1 . In Canada, young adults (20-24 years) report the highest smoking frequency compared to other age groups and have demonstrated the least decline towards cessation 2 . This trend may be due in part to the fact that the majority of prevention and smoking cessation efforts have been directed towards youth and older adults, while young adults have been overlooked in areas of research, practice and policy [3][4][5] . Furthermore, young adults who are at an increased risk of smoking are students enrolled at Canadian colleges, specifically in trade and technical training programs. In Canada, colleges typically provide hands-on training tailored for specific careers (i.e. electrician, chef, fitness professional, carpenter) and predominantly include one-to two-year certificate or diploma programs 6 . Whereas most university programs are three to four years and include a Bachelor's degree that may be used for further education (i.e. Master's degree) and/or professional schools (i.e. medical schools 6 ). Compared to traditional 4-year university students, college students demonstrate significantly higher cigarette smoking rates (20.2% vs 29.6%, respectively 7 ). This